Prosthetic knee-joint assembly including adjustable proximal and/or distal couplings

ABSTRACT

A prosthetic knee-joint assembly includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment to form a knee joint; (c) a first coupling integral with the proximal segment that includes a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment that is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling integral with the distal segment that includes a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment that is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable and/or rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 10/251,142, filed Sep. 20, 2002, which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to prosthetic devices, and more particularly, to a prosthetic knee chassis featuring adjustable couplings integrated into or with the proximal and/or distal segments thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional prosthetic limb 10 for a transfemoral amputee will include a prosthetic limb socket 12 for receiving the wearer's residual limb, a knee-joint assembly 14, a first pylon component 16 between the prosthetic limb socket 12 and the knee-joint assembly 14, interconnection components 18 for coupling the first pylon 18 to the prosthetic limb socket 12, interconnection components 20 for coupling the first pylon 16 to the knee-joint assembly 14, a prosthetic ankle/foot assembly 22, a second pylon 24 between the knee-joint assembly 14 and the ankle/foot assembly 22, interconnection components 26 for coupling the second pylon 24 to the knee-joint assembly 14 and interconnection components 28 for coupling the second pylon 24 to the ankle-foot assembly 22. The interconnection components 20 may include a conventional pyramid connector 30 mounted to a proximal end 32 of a proximal segment 34 of the knee-joint assembly 14 and a conventional pyramid receiver 36 mounted to a distal end of the first pylon 16. Interconnection components 26 may include a conventional pyramid coupling 30 mounted to a distal end surface 38 of a distal segment 40 of the knee-joint assembly 14 and a conventional pyramid receiver 36 mounted to a proximal end of the second pylon 24. If the prosthetist wishes to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability with respect to the first pylon 16 and the proximal segment 34 of the knee-joint assembly or wishes to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability between the distal segment 40 of the knee-joint assembly and the second pylon 24, the prosthetist may wish to replace one or both of the conventional pyramid plates 30 with the adjustable pyramidal link plate assemblies as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,033,440 and 6,231,618. Such adjustable pyramidal link plate assemblies are commercially available from Prosthetic Design, Inc. as component nos. PYR-SL, PYR-SL-R, PYR-TL-SL, PYR-TL-SL-R, Stealth360, and PYR-TL-R.

If a patient has an amputation that occurs at the femoral epicondyles (hereinafter referred to as “knee disarticulation”) or has a very long residual limb, then difficulties may arise fitting the aforementioned components of the upright assembly between the distal end of the socket 12 and the floor. Furthermore, the knee center K on the prosthesis 10 may move distally with the addition of components between the distal end of the socket 12 and the knee-joint assembly 14. These components may be of paramount importance when it comes to the static and dynamic alignment of the prosthesis. The above-mentioned adjustable pyramidal link plate components, in some cases, may add length of the prosthesis so as to offset the knee center of the prosthesis K from the sound side knee center, which may adversely affect the patient's gait pattern. Accordingly, it is desired to provide the adjustability that the prior art adjustable pyramidal link plate assemblies provide (rotational and/or lateral adjustment capabilities) while maintaining a proper knee center with respect to knee disarticulations and long AK amputations.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a prosthetic knee-joint assembly having adjustable pyramid couplers integrated into or with the proximal and/or distal segments of the knee-joint assembly to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability of the knee-joint assembly with respect to above-knee (“AK”) and/or below-knee (“BK”) prosthetic limb components without significantly increasing the profile (length) of the knee-joint assembly. Such an invention provides the knee-joint assembly with desired rotational and/or lateral adjustability with respect to AK and/or BK prosthetic limb components while better maintaining a proper knee center with respect to knee disarticulations and long AK amputations.

Accordingly, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment and at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling integral with the proximal segment, including a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment, where the frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, and where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment and rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling integral with the distal segment, including a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment, where the second frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable with respect to the distal segment so as to be slidable in at least one of the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, and rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment. In a further detailed embodiment, the prosthetic knee-joint assembly further includes: (e) a first releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit rotation of the first frustopyramidal boss with respect to the proximal segment; (f) a second releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the first frustopyramidal boss with respect to the proximal segment; (g) a third releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit rotation of the second frustopyramidal boss with respect to the distal segment; and (h) a fourth releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the second frustopyramidal boss with respect to the distal segment.

In a further detailed embodiment, the first and/or second adjustable member is an assembly that includes a sliding member and a rotating member, where the sliding member has a cavity occupied by a lower portion (distal portion for the first adjustable member and proximal portion for the second adjustable member) of the rotating member, where the first cavity includes an annular surface that faces, at least partially, in the downward direction (distal direction for the first adjustable member and proximal direction for the second adjustable member); the rotating member includes a frustopyramidal boss that extends upwardly (proximally in the first adjustable member and distally in the second adjustable member) from the cavity in the sliding member; the lower portion of the rotating member includes an annular surface complimentary to, substantially coaxial with, and facing the annular surface of the cavity; the slidable member includes a pair of opposed surfaces, where each is parallel to the respective direction of slideability, and the opposed surfaces face at least partially in the upper direction (proximal direction with the first adjustable member and distal direction in the second adjustable member); the respective knee segment includes a pair of opposed surfaces complimentary to, substantially parallel to, and facing the opposed surfaces of the adjustable member; and the coupling includes a mechanical press operative to pull the rotating member upwardly (proximal direction with the first adjustable member in distal direction with the second adjustable member) such that the annular surface of the lower portion of the rotating member engages the annular surface of the first cavity in the sliding member, thereby providing the first releasable lock for the first adjustable member or the third releasable lock for the second adjustable member; and, thereafter, upon further application of the mechanical press, the combination of the rotating member and the sliding member are pulled in the upward direction (proximal direction with the first adjustable member and distal direction with the second adjustable member) such that the pair of opposed surfaces on the sliding member presses against the complimentary pair of opposed surfaces of the respective knee-joint segment, thereby providing the second releasable lock with the first adjustable member or the fourth releasable lock for the second adjustable member.

In yet a further detailed embodiment, the coupling includes a domed member seated on a proximal end of the first segment for the first adjustable member or the distal end of the second segment for the second adjustable member, where the domed member includes a channel extending axially therethrough; the rotating member extends upwardly through the axial channel in the domed member such that the frustopyramidal boss extends above an apex of the domed member and such that the lower portion of the rotating member extends beneath the base of the domed member; and the mechanical press is an annular coupling adapter (also known in the art as a “pyramid receiver”) adapted to extend from the above-knee prosthetic limb component or below-knee prosthetic limb component, where the mechanical press includes at least two of the diametrically opposed set screws extending radially into the central channel of the pyramid receiver.

It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; and (c) a male coupling permanently integrated into at least one of the proximal segment and the distal segment, where the integrated male coupling includes a frustopyramidal boss extending outwardly from the one segment substantially approximate the TKA line, the frustopyramidal boss being adapted to mount the one segment to a female coupling carried on another prosthetic limb component, and the frustopyramidal boss being slidably adjustable with respect to the one segment so as to be slidable in at least one direction substantially perpendicular to the TKA line, and the frustopyramidal boss being rotationally adjustable with respect to the one segment so as to be rotatable with respect to the one segment on a rotational axis substantially parallel to the TKA line. In a more detailed embodiment, the integrated male coupling is an assembly that includes a sliding member slidably carried by the one segment and a rotating member rotatably carried by the sliding member, and the rotating member has a first end carried by the sliding member and an opposite end that includes the frustopyramidal boss. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the one segment includes a dove-tail shaped channel in an end surface thereof; the sliding member includes at least a portion that has a dog-tail shaped cross-section complimentary to the dove-tail shaped channel in the one segment, where the portion is slidably carrier in the dove-tail shaped channel; and the sliding member includes an annular cavity extending into an end surface thereof, where the annular cavity retains the first end of the rotating member therein.

It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that comprises: (a) a proximal segment including a planar proximal surface and a first groove extending into and along the proximal surface; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment, and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least the anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point, the distal segment including a planar distal surface and a second groove extending into and along the distal surface; (c) a first coupling including a first bearing portion slidably received within the first groove and further including a first frustopyramidal boss extending in a proximal direction from the first bearing portion, where the first frustopyramidal boss is rotatable with respect to the first bearing portion and adapted to mount the proximal segment to AK prosthetic limb components; (d) a second coupling including a second bearing portion slidably received within the second groove and further including a second frustopyramidal boss extending in a distal direction from the second bearing portion, where the second frustopyramidal boss is rotatable with respect to the second bearing portion and adapted to mount the distal segment to BK prosthetic limb components; (e) a first releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit rotation of the first frustopyramidal boss with respect to the first bearing portion; (f) a second releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the first bearing portion in the first groove; (g) a third releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit rotation of the second frustopyramidal boss with respect to the second bearing portion; and (h) a fourth releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the second bearing portion in the second groove. In a more detailed embodiment, the first coupling includes a first domed portion positioned proximally to the proximal surface of the proximal segment and proximally to the first bearing portion; the first frustopyramidal boss extends from the first bearing portion, axially through the first domed portion, and out from a proximal apex of the first domed portion; the second coupling includes a second domed portion positioned distally to the distal surface of the distal segment and to the second bearing portion; and the second frustopyramidal boss extends from the second bearing portion, axially through the second domed portion, and out from a distal apex of the second domed portion.

It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling at least partially received within a first groove, depression or cavity extending into a proximal end of the proximal segment, where the first coupling is adapted to mate with and couple to an above-knee prosthetic limb component, and where the first coupling includes a first frustopyramidal boss that is slidably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment and rotationally adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling at least partially received within a second groove, depression or cavity extending into a proximal end of the distal segment, where the second coupling is adapted to mate with and couple to a below-knee prosthetic knee component, and where the second coupling includes a second frustopyramidal boss that is slidably adjustable with respect to the distal segment and rotationally adjustable with respect to the distal segment.

It is a fifth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotably disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling at least partially received with a first groove extending into a proximal end of the proximal segment, including a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment, where the first frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the first adjustable member is slidably mounted to the proximal segment so as to be slidable in either the anterior-posterior or medial-lateral directions; and (d) a second coupling at least partially received within a second groove extending into the distal segment, including a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment, where the second frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second adjustable member is slidably mounted to the distal segment so as to be slidable in the opposite direction as compared to the first coupling.

In a detailed embodiment of this fifth aspect of the present invention, the prosthetic knee-joint assembly further includes: (e) a first releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the first adjustable member with respect to the proximal segment; and (f) a second releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the second adjustable member with respect to the distal segment. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the first adjustable member includes a pair of opposed surfaces, each being parallel to the respective direction of slidability and facing at least partially in a proximal direction; the first groove includes a pair of opposed surfaces complimentary to, and substantially parallel to, and facing the pair of opposed surfaces of the first adjustable member; and the first coupling includes a mechanical press operative to pull to first adjustable member in the proximal direction such that the pair of opposed surfaces of the first adjustable member presses against the complimentary pair of opposed surfaces of the proximal segment, thereby providing the first releasable lock. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the first coupling includes a domed member seated on a proximal end of the first segment and having a channel extending axially therethrough; the first adjustable member extends through the axial channel in the domed member such that the first frustopyramidal boss extends out from an apex of the domed member in such that the pair of opposed surfaces of the first adjustable member extend out from the base of the domed member; and the mechanical press is an annular coupling adapter (pyramid receiver) extending from the above-knee prosthetic limb component whereupon tightening of the set screws in the annular coupling adapter causes the set screws to contact and press against opposed surfaces of the first frustopyramidal boss such that the first adjustable member is pushed by the set screws in the proximal direction. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the frustopyramidal boss is also rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment so as to be rotatable with respect to the proximal segment.

It is a sixth aspect of the present invention to provide a knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotably disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotal with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; and (c) a coupling integrated into one or both of the proximal segment and the distal segment, where the coupling includes an adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending outwardly from the respective segment substantially along the TKA line, where the frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the respective segment to another prosthetic limb component, and where the adjustable member is slidably mounted to the respective segment so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the TKA line. In a more detailed embodiment, the respective segment includes a channel extending in the respective direction of slidability, where the channel includes a pair of opposed surfaces parallel to the respective direction of slidability; the adjustable member includes a portion carried in the channel of the respective segment, where the carried portion of the adjustable member includes a pair of opposed surfaces complimentary to, substantially parallel to, and facing the pair of opposed surfaces of the channel in the respective segment; and the coupling includes a mechanical press operative to press the pair of opposed surfaces of the carried portion against the complimentary pair of opposed surfaces in the channel of the respective segment, thereby selectively inhibiting sliding of the adjustable member with respect to the respective segment.

It is a seventh aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling at least partially received within a proximal end of the proximal segment, adapted to mate with and couple to an above-knee prosthetic limb component, where the first coupling is selectively slidable with respect to the proximal segment in at least a first direction substantially perpendicular to the TKA line; and, optionally, (d) a second coupling at least partially received within a distal end of the distal segment, adapted to mate with and couple to a below-knee prosthetic limb component, where the second coupling is selectively slidable with respect to the distal segment in at least a second direction substantially perpendicular to the TKA line. In a more detailed embodiment, the knee-joint assembly further includes: (e) a first releasable lock for selectively prohibiting sliding of the first coupling with respect to the proximal segment; and (f) a second releasable lock for selectively prohibiting sliding of the second coupling with respect to the distal segment. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the first and second releasable locks are adapted to be accessible, lockable and un-lockable without having to completely de-couple their respective first and second couplings from the corresponding above-knee and below-knee prosthetic limb components.

It is an eighth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment, and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling at least partially received within a proximal end of the proximal segment, adapted to mate with and couple to an above-knee prosthetic limb component, where the first coupling is selectively rotatable with respect to the proximal segment; and, optionally, (d) a second coupling at least partially received within a distal end of the distal segment, adapted to mate with and couple to a below-knee prosthetic limb component, where the second coupling is selectively rotatable with respect to the distal segment. In a more detailed embodiment, the knee-joint assembly further includes: (e) a first releasable lock for selectively prohibiting rotation of the first coupling with respect to the proximal segment; and (f) a second releasable lock for selectively prohibiting rotation of the second coupling with respect to the distal segment. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the first and second releasable locks are adapted to be accessible, lockable and un-lockable without having to completely de-couple the respective first and second couplings from the corresponding above-knee and below-knee prosthetic limb components.

It is a ninth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment, and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; and (c) an adjustable coupling at least partially received within and/or integrated within an end of either the proximal segment or the distal segment, where the coupling is adapted to mate with and couple to a respective above-knee or below-knee prosthetic limb component, and where the coupling is selectively rotatable and/or slidable with respect to the respective knee-joint segment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an above-knee, prior art prosthetic limb assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of the knee-joint assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, side elevation view of the knee-joint assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a magnified view of the portion of FIG. 4 within the circle 5;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling assembly for an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling assembly for yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupling-socket adapter assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a prosthetic knee-joint assembly or knee-chassis 42, having adjustable coupling components integrated into its proximal and distal segments 44, 46. In the present exemplary embodiment, the adjustable coupling on the proximal segment 44 is a male pyramid component assembly 48 that is slidably adjustable in the anterior-posterior direction and that is also rotationally adjustable. The coupling component provided on the distal segment 46 is an adjustable pyramid assembly 50 that is slidingly adjustable in the medial-lateral directions and is also rotationally adjustable. The proximal segment 44 is pivotally coupled to the distal segment 46 by a nylon hinge assembly 50 such that the proximal segment 44 will be pivotable with respect to the distal segment 46 in the anterior-posterior direction. Generally the proximal segment 44 includes a substantially planar base 52 at a proximal end thereof and includes a pair of axially extending arms 54, 56 extending from the medial and lateral sides of the planar base, where each of the arms 54, 56 include holes extending therethrough for receiving the hinge assembly 50. The proximal segment 44 also includes a posterior projection 60 extending distally therefrom which includes a hole 62 extending therethrough to which is adapted to be coupled to a hydraulic or pneumatic piston assembly for the prosthetic knee (not shown). The distal segment 46 generally includes a substantially planar base 64 at a distal end thereof and a pair of proximally extending legs 66, 68 extending from the medial and lateral sides of the base 64 to a proximal end where the legs 66, 68 meet at a hollow cylinder extending perpendicularly therefrom in the medial-lateral direction, into which is received the hinge assembly 50. Each of the legs 66, 68 include a hole 72 extending therethrough approximate a distal end of the respective leg, where each hole receives a nylon bushing 74. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill such holes 72 provide a distal coupling for the hydraulic or pneumatic piston assembly of the prosthetic knee.

In the exemplary embodiment, each of the adjustable coupling assemblies 48, 50 are constructed in substantially similar fashions using substantially similar components. The primary difference between the two couplings, in the exemplary embodiment, is that the proximal coupling 48 is slidably adjustable in the anterior-posterior directions while the distal coupling is slidably adjustable in the medial-lateral directions. For the sake of clarity, the construction of the coupling assemblies will be discussed using identical numerals and orientational reference directions. For example, with the following disclosure, the “up” direction is the proximal direction for the proximal coupling assembly 48 and is the distal direction for the distal coupling assembly 50. Likewise, the “down” direction is the distal direction for the proximal coupling assembly 48 and the proximal direction for the distal coupling assembly 50. Any other substantial differences between the proximal and distal coupling assemblies 48, 50 will be noted when necessary.

As shown specifically in FIGS. 3 through 5, the planar base portion 52 of the proximal segment and the planar base portion 64 of the distal segment 46 each include a dove-tail shaped (in cross-section) channel or groove 74 extending axially therethrough. The dove-tail shaped groove 74 in the proximal member 44 extends along the planar base 56 in the anterior-posterior directions while the dove-tail shaped groove in the distal member 46 extends along the planar base 64 in the medial-lateral directions. Each of the adjustable coupling assemblies 48, 50 include a dove-tail shaped (in cross-section) base component 76 carried within the dove-tail shaped groove 74. The dove-tail shaped base component 76 is oriented within the dove-tail shaped groove 74 such that the upwardly and outwardly facing angled surfaces 73 of the dove-tail shaped base component 76 face the downwardly and inwardly facing angled surfaces 75 of the dove-tail shaped groove 74.

A flat-topped dome member 78 resides on each of the flat proximal surface 80 of the planar base 44 and the flat distal surface 82 of the distal base 64. Each dome 78 includes an axial channel 84 extending therethrough for receiving a pyramidal boss component 86 therein. The dome also includes an annular projection 99 extending radially into the axial channel 84. The upper end of the pyramidal boss component 76 includes a frustopyramidal boss 87 of conventional design and the lower end of the pyramidal boss 86 includes three cylindrical, co-axial segments 88, 90, 92, the diameters of which decrease towards the lower end of the pyramidal boss component 86 to provide two, downwardly facing, annular shoulders: a first annular shoulder 94 on the first cylindrical segment 88 and a second annular shoulder 96 on the second cylindrical segment 90. The portion of the cavity 84 above the annular projection 99 has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical segment 88 of the pyramidal boss 86 component and the inner diameter of the radial projection 99 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical segment 90 of the pyramidal boss competent such that when the pyramidal boss component is received within the axial channel 84 of the dome member 78 the frustopyramidal boss 87 will extend from the apex of the dome and the shoulder 100 of the dome member 78 will abut the shoulder 94 of the pyramidal boss 86, thereby preventing the boss 87 from falling below the dome member.

The lower-most cylindrical segment 92 of the pyramidal boss 86 extends into the axial channel 98 of the dove-tail shaped member 76 where the outer diameter of the lower most segment 92 is slightly less than the inner diameter of the axial channel 98. A threaded bolt 102 extends upwardly into the bottom of the axial channel 98 and mates with a threaded bore 104 extending into the bottom of the pyramidal boss component 86. The lower end of the bolt 102 includes a flange 105 that is seated within a counter-bore 106 of the dove-tail shaped member 76. Therefore, when the bolt 102 is threaded into the threaded bore 104 of the pyramidal boss component 86 (preferably using a LOCTITE® thread-locking solution) the bolt 102 and pyramidal boss component 86 assembly essentially become a unitary component that freely carries the dome 78, respective knee-chassis segment (44 or 46) and dove-tail shaped boss component 76 there-between such that the couplings (48 and 50) are essentially integrated with their respective knee-chassis segments (44 or 46).

The various components of the couplings (48 and 50) have a certain amount of axial play built in such that the pyramidal boss component 86 is able to be rotated with respect to the dove-tail shaped base component 76 and, in turn, the respective knee-chassis segment (44 or 46). Likewise, the built in axial play between the components allows the dove-tail shaped base component 76 to be slid within the dove-tail shaped groove 74 and, in turn, the entire coupling (48 and 50) is slidable with respect to the respective knee-chassis segment (44 or 46). Referring to FIG. 2, the proximal coupling 48 is slidable in the anterior-posterior directions as shown by arrows A-P and the frustopyramidal boss 87 is rotatable with respect to the coupling 48 in the direction as shown by arrow R. Likewise, the coupling 50 on the distal knee-chassis segment 46 is slidable in the medial-lateral directions as shown by arrows M-L and the frustopyramidal boss 87 is rotatable with respect to the rest of the coupling 50 in the direction shown by arrow R.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, in the exemplary embodiment, when the couplings 48, 50 are mated with their respective pyramid receiving components 36 the tightening of the set screws 107 of the pyramid receiver components against the inwardly angled side faces 108 of the frustopyramidal boss 87 essentially provides a mechanical press that locks the component, restricting any further rotational and/or sliding adjustments of the component with respect to the respective knee-chassis segment. This threaded mechanical press operates as follows: initially, when the set screws 107 are threaded through the correspondingly threaded holes 110 in the pyramid receiver 36 (which are angled radially inwardly and upwardly) against the angled surfaces 108 of the frustopyramidal boss 87, causing the pyramidal boss component 86 to be pushed in the upward direction, while simultaneously causing the domed member 78 to be pushed by the lower end 112 of the pyramid receiver 36 in the downward direction such that the domed member 78 abuts the upper surface of the respective planar base 52, 64; as the pyramidal boss component 86 is pulled in the upper direction with respect to the respective planar segment 52, 64, the flange 105 of the attached bolt 102 contacts the upper shoulder 116 of the counter-bore 106 in the dove-tail shaped base component 76, which, in turn, pulls the dove-tail shaped base component upwardly such that the upwardly and outwardly facing angled surfaces 73 of the dove-tail shaped base component 76 press against the downwardly and inwardly facing angled surfaces 75 of the dove-tail shaped groove 74 (effectively locking the dove-tail shaped base component 76 from sliding within the dove-tail shaped groove 74, and, in turn, locking the respective coupling component 48, 50 from sliding with respect to the respective knee-chassis segment 44, 46); and, further, such tightening of the set screws 107 and subsequent pushing of the pyramidal boss component 86 causes the upper surface 118 of the radial flange 105 of the bolt component 102 to press against the downward facing annular shoulder surface 116 in the counter-bore 106 of the dove-tail shaped base component 76 effectively prohibiting the pyramidal boss component 86 from rotating with respect to the dove-tail shaped base component 86, and, in turn, with respect to the respective knee-chassis segment 44, 46. Upon loosening of the set screws 107, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill that the respective couplings 48, 50 will be rotatably and/or slidably adjustable again.

Therefore, in operation, if the prosthetist wishes to make a rotational and/or translational adjustment of an above-knee or below-knee prosthetic limb component with respect to the knee-chassis component 42 the prosthetist merely needs to loosen the set screws 107 on the pyramid receiver 36 mating with the coupling 48, 50, make the desired rotational and/or translational adjustments, and then merely tighten the set screws 107 again, thereby locking the components from further rotational and/or translational movement. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill, the exemplary embodiment allows the rotational and/or translational adjustments to be made without requiring the prosthetist to completely de-couple the respective coupling from the above-knee or below-knee prosthetic limb components.

Thus, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the above exemplary embodiment provides a prosthetic knee-joint assembly that has adjustable pyramid couplings 48, 50 integrated into or with the proximal and distal segments 44, 46 of the knee-chassis 42 to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability of the knee-joint assembly with respect to above-knee (“AK”) and/or below-knee (“BK”) prosthetic limb components without significantly increasing the profile (length) of the knee-chassis 42. Such an invention provides the knee-joint assembly with desired rotational and/or lateral adjustability with respect to AK and/or BK prosthetic limb components while better maintaining a proper knee center with respect to knee disarticulations and long AK amputations. As will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the design of the adjustable pyramid couplings 48, 50 utilizing the domed members 78 in conjunction with the convex-shaped lower end 112 of the pyramid receiver 36 provides a certain amount of angular adjustability, which is present in the prior art pyramids 30 and receivers 36 discussed above.

While the couplings 48, 50 of the first exemplary embodiment (as well as the remaining exemplary embodiments described below) are described as adjustable pyramids, it will be appreciated by those ordinary skill that it is within the scope of the invention to utilize other types of adjustable couplings (male, female or otherwise) in place of the adjustable pyramid assemblies. For example, it is within the scope of the invention to integrate adjustable pyramid receivers similar to those described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/613,977, filed Jul. 11, 2000, into the knee-chassis segments in place of one or both of the adjustable pyramid assemblies in the exemplary embodiment. Likewise, while the mechanical presses described above in the first exemplary embodiment (as well as the remaining exemplary embodiments described below) work in conjunction with the pyramid receivers 36 to lock the couplings from rotational and slidable adjustment, it is within the scope of the invention to utilize alternate mechanical presses and alternate locking mechanisms to lock the adjustable couplings after they have been adjusted as desired. It is also, within the scope of the invention that the releasable lock for locking the rotational adjustment be separate from the releasable lock for locking slidable adjustment. For example, it is within the scope of the invention to utilize mechanical presses or alternate locking mechanisms similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,440 or in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/613,977, filed Jul. 11, 2000. The disclosure of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/613,977, filed Jul. 11, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference.

An exemplary coupling-socket adapter assembly 310 is shown in FIG. 8. The coupling-socket adapter assembly 310 includes a base plate subassembly 312, a coupling-socket adapter 314, an adjustable-diameter ring-clamp 316, and a threaded fastener 318. The base plate subassembly 312 is attachable to a first prosthetic limb component such as, without limitation, a knee joint assembly or a locking assembly. The base plate 312 may include a clearance through-hole 366 exposing the bottom of the slide plate.

The coupling-socket adapter 314 is rotatably attached to the base plate subassembly 312, has an upper portion 320 and a lower portion 322, and has a cavity 324 for receiving a male coupling member such as, without limitation, a boss of a pyramidal link-plate. The lower portion 322 of the coupling-socket adapter 314 includes a tapered outside circumferential surface 315. The coupling-socket adapter 314 includes a plurality of internally-threaded holes 326 having an outside end disposed in the upper portion 320 of the coupling-socket adapter 314 and having an inside end in communication with the cavity 324 of the coupling-socket adapter 314. The coupling-socket adapter assembly 310 includes a plurality of set screws 328 threadably disposed in a corresponding internally-threaded hole 326 of the coupling-socket adapter 314. The internally-threaded holes 326 of the coupling-socket adapter 314 are angled towards the lower portion 322 of the coupling-socket adapter 314 as one moves inward in the internally-threaded holes 326 of the coupling-socket adapter 314 towards the cavity 324 of the coupling-socket adapter 314.

The ring-clamp 316 is disposed between the base plate subassembly 312 and the upper portion 320 of the coupling-socket adapter 314 and has a tapered inside circumferential surface 317 which surrounds the tapered outside circumferential surface 315 of the lower portion 322 of the coupling-socket adapter 314. Decreasing the diameter of the ring-clamp 316 locks the coupling-socket adapter 314 against rotation with respect to the base plate subassembly 312. Likewise, increasing the diameter of the ring-clamp 316 unlocks the coupling socket adapter 314 for rotation with respect to the base plate subassembly 312.

The base plate subassembly 312 includes a base plate 330 which is attachable to the first prosthetic limb component and which has a rectilinear surface groove 332. The base plate subassembly 312 also includes a slide plate 334 slidably captured in the surface groove 332, wherein the coupling-socket adapter 314 is rotatably attached to the slide plate 334, and wherein the ring-clamp 316 is disposed between the base plate 330 and the upper portion 320 of the coupling-socket adapter 314. Preferably, the surface groove 332 is a dovetail-shaped surface groove, and the slide plate 334 is a dovetail-shaped slide plate. The base plate subassembly 312 further includes means 336 for locking the slide plate 334 against sliding in the surface groove 332 and for unlocking the slide plate 334 for sliding in the surface groove 332, wherein the slide-plate locking and unlocking means 336 is operable when the base plate 330 is attached to a prosthetic limb component. Preferably such means 336 includes the base plate 330 having an internally-threaded hole 338, a set screw 340 disposed in the internally-threaded hole 338 of the base plate 330, and a slidable member 342 pushed by the set screw 340 and having an angled surface to engage and lock the slide plate 334.

The slide plate 334 (and hence the base plate subassembly 312) includes a tapered hole having a tapered side wall 364 and a longitudinal axis 362, and the threaded fastener 318 is threadably attached to the coupling-socket adapter 314 and has a tapered portion 348 disposed in the tapered hole. The tapered portion 348 has internal threads 352. The lower portion 322 of the coupling-socket adapter 314 has external threads 354, and the internal threads 352 of the tapered portion 348 are threadably engaged with the external threads 354 of the lower portion 322 of the coupling-socket adapter 314.

Additionally, while the couplings 48, 50 of the first exemplary embodiment allow for both rotational and translational adjustments, it is within the scope of the invention to provide couplings that allow fewer degrees of adjustment on either or both of the knee chassis segments 44, 46. For example, the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 allows translational and angular adjustments and the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 allows rotational and angular adjustments.

As shown in FIG. 6, this alternate exemplary embodiment of a coupling 120 that allows translational and angular adjustments includes a pyramidal boss component 122 slidably seated within a stepped groove 124 extending through the respective knee chassis segment's planar base 126 such that the pyramidal boss component 122 is slidable with respect to the planar base 126 in a direction moving into and out of the page as illustrated. The pyramidal boss component 122 is maintained on the planar base 126 by a t-shaped fastener 128 having a pair of wings 130 adapted to extend beyond the stepped groove 124 and slide along the bottom surface 132 of the planar base 126 of the respective knee chassis segment. The fastener 128 essentially retains, or integrates the coupling 120 with the respective knee chassis segment. An optional dome component 134 may also be provided on an upper surface 136 of the planar base 126 of the knee chassis segment having an axial channel 138 that allows the pyramidal boss component 122 to extend therethrough. To lock the coupling 120, thereby restricting it from translational adjustment, the set screws 107 are tightened against the angled surfaces 108 of the frustopyramidal boss 123 of the pyramidal boss component 122 pushing the pyramidal boss component 122 upwardly such that the upper surfaces 140 of the t-shaped fastener 128 press against the lower planar surface 132 of the base 126 of the respective knee chassis segment, thereby frictionally restricting translational sliding of the coupling 120 with respect to the respective knee chassis segment.

As shown in FIG. 7, this alternate exemplary embodiment of a coupling 142 that allows rotational and angular adjustments includes a pyramidal boss component 144 having an annular flange 146 approximate its lower end seated on an annular shoulder 153 provided by an annular projection 148 extending into an axial channel 149, which extends through the planar base 150. The lower cylindrical portion 152 of the pyramid boss component 144 extends below the annular shoulder 153 and includes a threaded bore 154 extending into the bottom end of the pyramidal boss component 144 that receives a correspondingly threaded axial projection 156 extending upwardly from a frustoconical bearing component 158 that is positioned within a correspondingly-shaped frustoconical portion 160 of the axial channel 149 extending through the planar base 150. An optional dome 162 extends from the upper surface of the planar base 150 (the dome can be a separate component or integrated into the planar base as shown in FIG. 7), where the dome 162 includes the axial channel 149 that allows the pyramidal boss component 144 to extend therethrough. To lock the coupling 142, thereby restricting the pyramidal boss and attached frustoconical component 158 from rotational adjustment, the set screws 107 of the pyramid receiver 36 are tightened against the angled surfaces 108 of the frustopyramidal boss component 144 pushing the pyramidal boss component 144 upwardly such that the outer conical surface 164 of the frustoconical fastener component 158 contacts and presses against the complimentary conical surfaces 160 of the frustoconical portion of the channel 149, thereby frictionally restricting rotation of the frustopyramidal boss component 144 with respect to the knee-chassis segment 150.

Following from the above detailed description, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the apparatuses and processes herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these precise apparatuses and processes and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed or as illustrated by the various aspects of the present invention set forth in the summary. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein. 

1. A prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb comprising: a proximal segment; a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least the anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; a first coupling including a first coupling base component integrated into the proximal segment, the first coupling base component having a planar proximal surface and at least one of a depression and a cavity extending into and along the proximal surface, the first coupling further including a first bearing portion slidably received within the depression or the cavity and further including a first frustopyramidal boss extending in a proximal direction from the first bearing portion, the first frustopyramidal boss being rotatable and adapted to mount the proximal segment to an above-knee prosthetic limb component; a second coupling adapted to mount the distal segment to a below-knee prosthetic limb component; a first releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit at least one of rotation and translation of the first frustopyramidal boss with respect to the proximal segment.
 2. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first coupling includes a first domed portion positioned proximally to the first coupling base component and to the first bearing portion; a first frustopyramidal boss extends axially out from a proximal apex of the first domed portion, the domed portion being disposed on the planar proximal surface; the second coupling includes a second domed portion positioned distally to the distal segment; and the second frustopyramidal boss extends axially through the second domed portion and out from a distal apex of the second domed portion.
 3. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the first releasable lock includes at least one set screw.
 4. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 3, wherein the first releasable lock includes at least one slidable member pushed by the at least one set screw, the at least one slidable member being selectively engageable with the first bearing portion.
 5. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the second coupling includes a second frustopyramidal boss that is rotationally and translationally adjustable with respect to the distal segment.
 6. A prosthetic knee-joint for a prosthetic limb comprising: a proximal segment including at least one of a depression and a cavity extending into a proximal end of the proximal segment; a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; a first coupling at least partially received within the depression or the cavity extending into the proximal end of the proximal segment, the first coupling being adapted to mate with and couple to an above-knee prosthetic limb component, the first coupling having a first frustopyramidal boss being slidably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment in at least a first direction substantially perpendicular to the TKA line, and rotationally adjustable with respect to the proximal segment so as to be rotatable with respect to the proximal segment; and a second coupling adapted to mate with and couple to a below-knee prosthetic limb component.
 7. The prosthetic knee-joint of claim 6, wherein the proximal end of the proximal segment includes a substantially planar proximal surface; and wherein the first coupling is slidably disposed against the substantially planar proximal surface.
 8. The prosthetic knee-joint of claim 6, further comprising at least one releasable lock arranged to prohibit at least one of sliding and rotation of the frustopyramidal boss with respect to the proximal segment.
 9. The prosthetic knee-joint of claim 8, wherein the at least one releasable lock includes at least one set screw.
 10. The prosthetic knee-joint of claim 9, wherein the at least one releasable lock includes at least one slidable member pushed by the at least one set screw, the at least one slidable member being selectively engageable with the first coupling.
 11. The prosthetic knee-joint of claim 6, wherein the second coupling includes a second frustopyramidal boss that is selectively rotatable and translatable with respect to the distal segment.
 12. The prosthetic knee-joint of claim 6, wherein the first coupling includes a domed portion; and wherein the first frustopyramidal boss extends proximally from the domed portion.
 13. A prosthetic knee-joint assembly for pivotably joining an above-knee prosthetic limb component and a below-knee prosthetic limb component, the prosthetic knee-joint assembly comprising: a proximal segment including a substantially planar proximal surface including an opening, the opening being substantially circumscribed by the substantially planar proximal surface, a first pyramid assembly interposing the proximal segment and the above-the-knee prosthetic limb component, the pyramid assembly including a proximally extending first frustopyramidal boss adapted to releasably couple with a pyramid receiver on a distal end of the above-knee prosthetic limb component, a dome extending from a distal end of the frustopyramidal boss, the dome including a substantially planar distal surface slidably engaging at least a portion of the substantially planar proximal surface of the proximal segment, and a base having a dove-tail-shaped cross-section, the base extending distally from the substantially planar distal surface of the dome, the base at least partially occupying the opening in the substantially planar proximal surface of the proximal segment, and at least one set screw extending within the proximal segment, the at least one set screw being arranged to selectively retain the base within the opening; and a distal segment pivotably connected to the proximal segment, the distal segment including a distally extending second frustopyramidal boss adapted to releasably couple to the below-knee prosthetic limb component; wherein the first frustopyramidal boss is selectively rotatable and translatable relative to the proximal segment.
 14. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 13, wherein the first frustopyramidal boss is translatable in anterior-posterior directions.
 15. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 13, wherein the first frustopyramidal boss is translatable in medial-lateral directions.
 16. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 13, wherein the opening is larger than the base in at least an anterior-posterior dimension.
 17. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 13, wherein the opening is larger than the base in at least a medial-lateral dimension.
 18. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 13, wherein the first pyramid assembly is a unitary component.
 19. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 13, further comprising at least one slidable member pushed by the at least one set screw, the at least one slidable member being selectively engageable with the base.
 20. The prosthetic knee-joint assembly of claim 13, wherein the second frustopyramidal boss is selectively rotatable and translatable relative to the distal segment. 